Changes in Missouri's criminal code could make an appearance this week

The Missouri Senate began work this week on an overhaul of the state's criminal code, but obstacles still remain to get the bill across the finish line.

The bill's backers are confident a measure can pass this year, but acknowledge the legislation's 1,100-page size has made it difficult for lawmakers to support.

Credit Kristofor Husted / KBIA

House and Senate bill sponsors also disagree on whether the measure should reduce penalties for some drug crimes. Under the Senate version, first-time marijuana possession offenders would not be eligible for a prison term. But the House sponsor wants to leave the current penalty of up to a year in jail on the table.

Senators also expressed frustration that Democratic Governor Jay Nixon has not weighed in on the bill and are worried he would veto the legislation.

The Columbia Police Department released its Uniform Crime Reporting data for 2013. The report shows a violent crime index of 3.76, which means there are 3.76 violent crimes committed per 1,000 people in Columbia. The index hasn’t been this low since 1985. Columbia PD has had to adjust to a shortage of available staff. Public Information officer, Latisha Stroer, says an increase in retirements has played a role.

“We’re at the lowest number of officers that we have been since 1993. We’ve had the highest number of retirements last year, we have a large number of officers retiring again this year. Every department nationwide has had problems with recruiting officers, new officers, and people wanting to come into this profession,” Stroer said.